Demonetisation Decision Taken With 100% Political Interests: Mayawati

Mayawati also said that the currency ban has caused difficulties to 90 per cent of the common people.

New Delhi: Claiming that the Modi government has taken the demonetisation decision in a hurry with "hundred per cent" political interests of BJP in mind, BSP chief Mayawati today said it has caused difficulties to 90 per cent of the common people.

She also asked how a decision which has caused problems to 90 per cent of the people could be in the interest of the nation. "Now to prove that his wrong decision is correct, the Prime Minister is getting emotional and shedding tears. What is this if not blackmail," she said.

Addressing a media conference in New Delhi, Mayawati said since her party is the main challenge to BJP in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections, its leaders were making baseless statements against BSP.

"There is no doubt that the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in a hurry and without proper preparation demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. This immature decision has been taken 100 per cent because of their political interests which has caused havoc across the country," she said.

Mayawati claimed the situation was like an "economic emergency which is condemnable".

She said that since BJP government at the Centre could not fulfill even one-fourth of its poll promises in its two and a half years in office and to divert people's attention, the demonetisation decision was taken adding that the move will "boomerang".

She added that Modi says that he "left his family for the country which is a good thing".

"But you cannot play with the interests of people," she said as she accused the Centre of being "dictatorial" in its approach.

The BSP leader also said that nearly 100 people had died and the Centre has not extended any economic support to them. She also accused the government of being dictatorial in its approach.

"How can a decision which has caused difficulties to 90 per cent of the people be in public interest," she asked, adding people have been forced to stand in queues to get their own money.

The former chief minister claimed that in UP the Congress is surviving on "oxygen support" while SP is an old friend of the BJP and not even openly opposing its policies.

She claimed her party is the major threat to the BJP because of which its leaders are making baseless charges against it.

Terming a BJP rally in Agra as a "flop", Mayawati said that even the Prime Minister had attacked BSP claiming that after demonetisation those who paid notes will not become MLAs.

She said the BJP may not be aware that her party deposits the contributions made by its workers and leaders in banks and not in coffers like some other parties.